Quick answer: For granite, quartz, quartzite and marble countertops, an undermount sink is the most popular choice. The stone edge around it is finished and polished, there’s no rim to catch crumbs, and you can wipe straight into the bowl. A farmhouse (apron-front) sink suits a statement kitchen, but the cabinet usually has to be built or modified to fit it. A drop-in sink costs the least to cut for and is the easiest to swap later. Whichever you choose, the sink, faucet and cooktop specs need to be decided before we template, because every cutout is cut from those exact measurements. Call (708) 362-7674 or request a free quote.
5-star rated on Google (54 reviews) · 80+ years of combined family experience · Templating, fabrication and installation by our own crew · Showroom in Crestwood, IL
This guide is part of our kitchen countertops series, alongside What Actually Happens When We Template Your Kitchen and What’s Included in a Countertop Quote.
Picking a sink right now? Bring the model number to our showroom, or send it with your quote request, and we’ll tell you how it works with your stone. Call (708) 362-7674 · Get a free quote
The Four Sink Types, Compared
| Sink type | How it sits | Best for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undermount | Mounted under the stone, with the cut edge polished | Most stone kitchens, easy cleanup | The cutout edge is finished, so it costs more than a drop-in cutout |
| Farmhouse / apron-front | The front of the sink is exposed and replaces part of the cabinet face | Statement kitchens, big pots | Needs a matching sink base cabinet, and the sink must be on site early |
| Drop-in (top-mount) | Rim sits on top of the stone | Budget projects, rentals, easy future swaps | The rim catches crumbs and water. Cutout edge is hidden, so it is simpler to cut |
| Workstation | Undermount with a built-in ledge for boards and racks | Cooks who want prep space at the sink | Larger cutout, so check seam placement and cabinet width |
For rental properties, a drop-in sink is often the practical choice. For most owner-occupied kitchens, undermount is the default.
Sink Reveals: Positive, Negative and Zero
With an undermount sink, the “reveal” is how the stone edge lines up with the sink’s inside edge. It’s a small detail, but you’ll notice it every day.
| Reveal | What it looks like | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Positive reveal | The stone stops short, so a thin rim of sink shows around the edge | You want the easiest cleaning and a clean line of stainless showing |
| Negative reveal | The stone overhangs the sink slightly | You like the look of the stone lip. It is harder to clean underneath |
| Zero (flush) reveal | The stone edge lines up exactly with the sink edge | You want the cleanest modern look. It needs precise fabrication |
Most of our clients choose a small positive reveal because it’s the easiest to keep clean. Tell us your preference before templating so the cutout is drawn that way.
Sink Materials That Work With Stone
- Stainless steel: the most common choice. It’s light, easy to undermount, and there’s a wide range of sizes.
- Fireclay: the classic farmhouse look. It’s heavy, and sizes vary slightly from sink to sink, which is why we need the actual sink before cutting.
- Composite (granite or quartz composite): durable and quiet, and it comes in colors that can match or contrast with your countertop.
- Cast iron: very heavy and very durable. It needs strong support under the stone and inside the cabinet.
Faucet, Soap Dispenser and Accessory Holes
Every hole is drilled in the shop or on site before or during installation, so decide on these early:
| Hole | Common options | Plan ahead for |
|---|---|---|
| Faucet | 1-hole or 3-hole | Deck plate or no deck plate. Check the faucet spec sheet |
| Soap dispenser | 1 hole | Which side you want it on |
| Air switch (for the disposal) | 1 hole | Placement you can reach easily |
| Filtered water tap | 1 hole | The filter system under the sink |
| Dishwasher air gap | 1 hole where required | Check your local plumbing requirement |
A hole that gets added after installation costs more and carries more risk than one planned from the start. Our quote checklist explains why these holes are often left off other quotes.
Cooktop and Range Cutouts
A cooktop cutout is cut to the manufacturer’s exact spec, so we need the appliance model number or spec sheet before templating. Ranges that slide in or sit between countertops also affect where the stone ends and how the edges are finished.
The stone around a cooktop cutout is narrower than the rest of the counter, so seam placement is planned around it. See Where Countertop Seams Go, and Why We Put Them There for more.
When Your Sink Needs to Be On Site
| Item | When we need it |
|---|---|
| Undermount or workstation sink | At templating, or the exact spec sheet if the model is confirmed |
| Farmhouse / apron sink | Installed in the cabinet before templating |
| Faucet and accessories | Model numbers at templating |
| Cooktop | Model number or spec sheet at templating |
This is one of the most common reasons a job gets delayed. Our installation timeline guide shows where each step falls, and When to Bring In the Countertop Fabricator During a Kitchen Remodel helps you plan the order of the remodel.
Not sure what we need from you? We’ll send you a simple list before templating. Call (708) 362-7674 · Get a free quote
Which Stone Works Best Around a Sink?
| Stone | Around the sink | Care note |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz | Excellent. Nonporous, never needs sealing | Keep hot pans off, especially near the cooktop |
| Granite | Excellent and very durable | Reseal periodically, especially around the sink |
| Quartzite | Excellent and very hard | Reseal periodically |
| Marble | Beautiful, but it etches with acids like lemon, vinegar and wine | Best for owners who like a lived-in patina |
Chicago’s hard water leaves mineral spots around the sink on every material. Our guide to How Chicago’s Hard Water Affects Your Countertops explains what actually removes them.
Sink Planning by Home Type Across Chicagoland
| Home type | Common in | Sink notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bungalows and older homes | Chicago, Oak Lawn | Smaller sink bases, so check the sink fits the cabinet. See our Chicago bungalow guide |
| Condos and high rises | Chicago | Building rules and elevator limits. See our condo replacement guide |
| Suburban family kitchens | Orland Park, Tinley Park, Naperville | Large single bowls, workstation sinks and island prep sinks |
| New builds and remodels | Bolingbrook, Joliet, Aurora | Farmhouse sinks and matching cabinets planned from the start |
Adding a prep sink to an island? Our kitchen island countertop guide covers slab size and seams.
About Al Jory Marble
Al Jory Marble is a family-run countertop fabricator with more than 80 years of combined experience. We template, fabricate and install with our own crew, from our showroom at 4711 135th St, Crestwood, IL 60418. We serve Chicago and suburbs including Aurora, Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Joliet, Naperville, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Schaumburg and Tinley Park. Learn more about us or see recent kitchens in our gallery.
Kitchen Sink and Stone Countertop FAQs
What is the best sink for granite or quartz countertops?
An undermount sink is the most popular choice. It gives a clean polished edge and the easiest cleanup.
Can you put a farmhouse sink with quartz countertops?
Yes. The sink sits in a matching base cabinet, and the quartz is cut to fit around it.
Does an undermount sink cost more?
The cutout usually costs more than a drop-in cutout because the cut edge is polished and finished.
What is a sink reveal?
It is how the stone edge lines up with the sink’s inside edge: positive, negative or zero.
Which reveal is easiest to clean?
A small positive reveal, where a thin rim of the sink shows.
Do you need my sink before templating?
Yes, or its exact spec sheet if the model is confirmed. A farmhouse sink needs to be installed in the cabinet first.
How many faucet holes do I need?
It depends on your faucet. Most modern faucets use one hole, and accessories like soap dispensers and air switches each need their own.
Can you drill more holes after installation?
Often yes, but it costs more and carries more risk than planning them from the start.
Do you need my cooktop model?
Yes. Cooktop cutouts are cut to the manufacturer’s spec.
Can I reuse my old sink?
Sometimes. We’ll check its condition and whether it suits the new stone and cabinet.
Can I have a sink in my island?
Yes. We plan the slab, seams and cutouts together. See our island guide.
Which stone is best around a sink?
Quartz, granite and quartzite all handle daily sink use well. Marble works but will etch from acids.
Do you serve my area?
Yes. We serve Chicago and suburbs including Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Naperville, Joliet and more.
How do I get a quote?
Call (708) 362-7674 or request a free quote online. Include your sink and cooktop models if you have them.
Get Your Free Countertop Quote
Get a free quote · Call (708) 362-7674 · 4711 135th St, Crestwood, IL 60418 · Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM
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